Leeds full-back Ashton Golding over the moon to sign new five-year contract

Leeds full-back Ashton Golding says it is a dream come true after signing a new five-year contract that will keep him at Headingley until at least the end of the 2021 season.

The 20-year-old Bramley-born player, who was a lifelong Rhinos fan and stood in the South Stand as a youngster, has made the most of his opportunity after inheriting the number one jersey from Zak Hardaker, playing in all but two of Leeds’ 14 Super League matches so far this year.

Golding said: “I am over the moon. I have always dreamed of being able to stay at this club for a long time and to have signed on the dotted line now means a lot to me and my family.

“There has been a lot of confidence shown in me this year. I think there is something special here at this club with the fans, the players, the coaches and the set-up, and I am just glad to be part of that for at least the next five years. It means a lot to me to play for this great club and pull my shirt on.”

Leeds coach Brian McDermott said: “Ashton thoroughly deserves this new deal and it is great for not just our club but the Super League competition that we are retaining young British talent like Ashton.

“He has a real enthusiasm and desire to continue to learn and develop. The opportunities in front of him in the next five years are exciting ones. He is passionate about Leeds Rhinos and what we stand for and this is great news for the club as a whole.”